Group charges Witnesses abuse

LOUISVILLE — A group that charges child molestation is widespread among Jehovah's Witnesses is planning protests Sept. 27 at the denomination's world headquarters in New York and elsewhere.

Silentlambs, a victim support group based in Benton, Ky., is organizing the rallies, including one in Brooklyn. The Witnesses recently "disfellowshipped," or excommunicated, Silentlambs co-founder William H. Bowen, who is a former elder.

Bowen alleges that the Witnesses keep child molesting incidents secret, won't let victims warn other members about abusers in their congregations, and cut off and shun those who speak out about the problem.